Details

Trip Info

This half-day guided rafting float trip on the Deerfield River is the perfect active recreation to add to your family vacation in New England or to create an adventure getaway with your kids. With a minimum age of 5 allowed on our Zoar family float trips, you can show your children the fun and thrill of rafting as they learn to paddle, perhaps for the first time.

Our family rafting trips showcase the beauty of the lower Deerfield River as it meanders through farmland and the rolling Berkshire foothills along the historic Mohawk Trail. Our professional river guides provide insight into the natural and cultural history of the area.

With opportunities to swim and splash in the waters of the Deerfield, this trip provides a wonderful afternoon adventure for families, scout and camp groups.

Float Trips meet at 3:30 pm and usually finish by 7:00 pm. We stop along the way for a light dinner served riverside, often on Skip Rock Island.

Reviews

"It was tons of fun! We had ages 6 to 33 and everyone loved it, even my teenage daughter." - Alicia

"Our son is just now old enough to go out on adventure tour activities (5 years) and the Zoar float trip was a great place to start. Just enough excitement, a great and entertaining guide, dinner included and an unbelievable sunset. We also brought along some teenage friends who also found the trip enjoyable. Looking forward to going back and may be next time tackling the upper river without little ones in tow." - momonabicycle

"What a nice way to create family memories. I would recommend the Family Float to others, especially those with young children." - Michele

What To Bring

Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet! In warm summer weather, some guests are comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. However, we ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip. Wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler weather and water temperatures.

Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs! We suggest bringing any required medications as well as extra money for souvenirs, coin-operated showers, etc. Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe?

While we have an excellent record, the sports of whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, rock climbing, skiing, snow shoeing and biking have inherent risks. It should be recognized that accidents can and do occur. For this reason, we cannot assume responsibility for injury or loss of property. Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver stating they are aware of the risks involved and are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those with health problems limiting their normal activities may be prohibited from participation at Zoar Outdoor's discretion. Pregnant women will be prohibited from participating in Zoar Outdoor Activities.

What if I have food allergies?

We do not use nuts in our food, but cannot guarantee that the ingredients in our meals do not contain nuts or other food allergens. If you have food allergies or other special dietary needs, we strongly suggest you bring your own bag lunch in non-glass containers and we will pack it with the other lunches on your trip. You're also welcome to call our office at 1-800-532-7483 with any questions about the menu. If you intend to bring your own meal, please let us know ahead of time, since we take all of the food for the day out on the river with us, and would need to plan on including your food.

Can we rent wetsuits?

Yes, we have westuits available to rent at Zoar Outdoor. Online or over the phone, you can pre-rent wetsuits for $10 plus tax; this package includes the wetsuit, a pair of river booties, and a splash jacket. Pre-rentals online or over the phone are non-refundable if you choose not to use them. You can also rent them here at Zoar before you trip for $10 for the wetsuit, and $5 each for the booties and the jacket.

Are wetsuits required?

Wetsuits are not required, but we have them should you want them! Wetsuits are ideal for those wishing to layer up for colder weather or those who tend to get chilly easily. The extra wetsuit layer helps to keep you warm, so it depends on personal preference!

Will there be photos of my trip?

Yes! Our photographer will be stationed at the river taking high quality pictures of each raft. Back at base you'll be able to view your photos in the kayak school at the back of the shop. If you'd like you can purchase them on the spot or purchase them online.

Do you have group rates?

Yes! For every 11 people you book, the 12th person goes out for free. This discount applies automatically, so you can make your reservation online, or give our office a call at 1-800-532-7483.

What happens if the forecast calls for rain or storms?

We run our trips rain or shine, so you should come prepared for the weather. If we do have to cancel the trip, that decision would be made on the morning of the trip. However, it’s rare that weather forces us to cancel our rafting trips. If you are concerned about the forecast for your trip, you’re welcome to give our office a call at 1-800-532-7483.

What do we do with our car keys?

Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box just before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Should I tip my guide?

This is completely at your discretion. If you feel the service you receive from your guide is exceptional, and you want to say "thank you" with a tip, although it is not expected, it is always appreciated.

Can I request a guide?

If you have had a guide you especially liked and would like to have them guide your next trip, we will do our best to match their schedule to yours. Simply request your guide when you make your reservation. Please be aware that we are not always able to match request, but we will do our best!

How many people usually go in a boat?

We generally put 5 to 7 people in a boat, but this doesn’t mean that you need to have a group of 5 to 7 to go rafting. For example, if you’re reserving two people, you may be paired with a party of 4 or 5. If you have a group of 10 people, we would just divide you into two boats of 5 that go out on the water together. We also have two 8-person boats that are sometimes available for this trip.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

The use of recreational drugs or alcohol is prohibited on all programs. If you arrive here under the influence, you will be prohibited from participating in the day's activity and you will not receive a refund.

A Typical Day

Float trips meet at our base in Charlemont, Massachusetts at 3:30 p.m. Please do not be late, since we must work within the schedule of water releases decided on by the power company. You will be required to read and sign a release of liability at this time. We raft a seven-mile class I-II section of the Deerfield River. We enter the river across from our basecamp in Charlemont, Massachusetts and float to just above the dam in Buckland, Massachusetts. The entire trip, including dinner and swim stops, takes about 4-5 hours, depending on conditions. We run these trips during daylight hours on the water released from the power company's Fife Brook Dam. Occasionally, the power company releases water late in the day or not at all; this is out of our control. Thus, Zoar Outdoor reserves the right to move the trip to another section of the river or a different river, or cancel a trip depending on water releases. In the event of a late water release, the trip may end as late as 8:00 pm. Please allow extra time in your schedule at the end of the day to accommodate this possibility.

Our Deerfield River Float Trip includes a light dinner of fresh baked rolls with different choices of cold cuts and cheeses, lettuce and tomato, condiments, chips & salsa, hummus or black bean dip, and a dessert and drink.

Pre-Trip Requirements

Directions/Getting Here

Registration for this rafting trip takes place at 7 Main St. in Charlemont, MA. You can park in the unpaved lot and head up the stairs to the kiosk outside the red building. There, guides will direct you to the appropriate pavilion.

Weather Policy

We run our trips and clinics regardless of the weather. In the event of a weather related cancellation, we would make the decision to cancel on the morning of the trip at Zoar Outdoor and would refund the trip in full. River conditions can vary based on rainfall, snow melt, dam operations and other factors. We reserve the right to modify or move a trip or clinic when we deem necessary based on expected conditions.

Waivers

Everyone will need to have a signed waiver on the day of the trip. Once you have signed up for the trip, check your confirmation email for a link to sign your waiver electronically. You can also download and print the waiver here.